1.   The division winners qualify for the playoffs, but the true playoff race involves the competition to be among the top eight, regardless of geography.

2.   The three division winners would qualify for the playoffs, and the division champion with the best record would receive a bye.

3.   The tournament winner will qualify automatically for the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.

4.   This is an important tournament for MLS, since the winner qualifies for the World Club Championships in Spain in July.

5.   Only the five African group winners qualify.

6.   Only the group winner qualifies automatically for France.

7.   Only the group winner qualifies automatically.

8.   Only the group winners qualify along with the best second-placed team from the nine European groups.

9.   Both winners qualified for the world championship in Canada next April.

10.   European group winners qualify automatically with the runners-up drawn into two, two-leg playoff with the winners on aggregate qualifying.